Summer Challenge: Cracking the "Start-Up" Problem

The TGD

Welcome to Week 1 of our Summer Challenge! Today, we’re tackling our first two executive function pillars: Planning/Prioritizing and Task Initiation.

For so many of our clients - adults and kids - the hardest part of a task is often just the friction of getting started. Here is how we’re lowering that barrier this week.

Ed worked on Planning and Prioritizing by creating a roadmap and deciding what to tackle first. For neurodivergent brains, "mental simulation"—literally playing out the day in your head ahead of time—is a game-changer for building foresight. Ed and his family exercised this skill this week by mentally playing out their upcoming family trip. They were able to anticipate possible pool time and family game time. Packing included swim gear and board games to help make memories. We'd love to hear how you're practicing this at home; hit reply and tell us what you're planning next!

Tabitha dove into Task Initiation, which is all about defeating that frustrating start-up problem and diving into a project without the procrastination loop. We find the best way to beat the freeze is by reducing friction using external timers or a little social support. Tabitha absolutely crushed this by playing “beat the microwave,” racing to empty the dishwasher before her breakfast finished heating up!

Your Turn to Play: How did your family practice planning/prioritizing and task initiation this week?

The Official Rules

• Complete to Earn: Tackle your chosen weekly challenge option to earn a digital sticker for that specific executive function skill.

• Proof & Submit: To claim your sticker, simply share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag @TGDCoach, or email a picture directly to our team.

• Show Your Work: No matter how you submit, you must include the reason why your activity counts toward that specific skill!

• Collect: All 12 skill stickers by the end of the summer to be automatically entered into a raffle to win a free coaching session!